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  • in reply to: Division of Sanitation (Week 5) #1033
    Participant

    I still get blown away by how large the numbers are. I cant remember a specific number, but the amount of garbage, recycling, road side, compost, etc.. was crazy to me and that’s just Salt Lake City! Our small little city. The conversation and dialogue in this session were great. Frank and Mitch were cool guys. Jack, you’re cool too. Its always cool talking to different people with similar perspectives about recycling and waste reduction.

    I essentially started my little business idea off of the potential mandate to recycling for apartments and business’. I absolutely feel that there should be a mandate. It would really help my business ;). It is important for many reasons. Go to the forum and let the council know what you think(http://www.slcgov.com/opencityhall#peak_democracy)

    I read this interesting article today about why recycling isn’t as effective and important as we may think. Sometimes we forget the total process of recycling and the overall carbon footprint to do so.. Its a little off topic, but I thought it might interesting to hear an alternate opinion.
    http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/04/opinion/sunday/the-reign-of-recycling.html?smid=nytcore-ipad-share&smprod=nytcore-ipad&_r=2&referer=

    in reply to: Week 2 #1015
    Participant

    I really enjoyed our field trip this week. Getting a closer look at the recycling process was very interesting. I always assumed that if it is recyclable and thrown into the blue bins it would be recycled. Watching the sorting process and seeing recyclables wasted is definitely sad. I understand the economics of it, but I just wish that there was more that can be done to reduce waste. I am still confused on a few items that can or cannot be recycled; such as bags(food bags, packaging, etc..). I think that there needs to be some sort of legislation that streamlines the recycling industry. Make the process’ the same everywhere. All of the differences make it difficult and confusing for the general public and my guess is reduces usage rates for recycling programs.
    When I was young my parents were very good at not wasting anything and I think that attitude was passed down to me. I usually try and think about NEEDS and not WANTS. This ideal has always helped me to think about my purchases. After the week where we went to the landfill and briefly discussed consumerism and the effect it has on waste and then seeing the recycling facility I am more aware of my overall waste. I just want to be better at wasting less and finding ways to get the very most out of what I do use and buy.

    in reply to: Week 1 #1010
    Participant

    I live downtown in small little apartment and recycling is actually provided for us here. I have two bins in my spot for recycling. Typically the items that are recycled are paper(packaging, receipts, and mail mostly), food containers/packaging, beer boxes and cans seem to take up more space then I care to explain. haha. 🙂 I am not perfect, still catching myself saying its ok this time, and think that recycling can be inconvenient. But its worth it! I think once recycling becomes a bigger priority for people and the government it will become just as easy as throwing whatever it is away. It will just depend on which bin.
    I always have a guilty conscience about water usage. I have and use a dishwasher which I know uses A LOT more water than washing them by hand, but I try to use it sparingly and do the pots and pans by hand. I definitely need to try and use less water. Using less power seems like a problem i’ve had since I was a kid, but turning off things is something i’ve been more aware of lately. The lights, tv, and xbox are my biggest problem areas. Also shutting the fridge timely is something my dad would always get on my case about. I wonder how much energy it takes to replace the amount of cool air every time we open the fridge? Anyone?
    I seldom buy bottled water and use a brits filter if I need to get hydrated. Like Michele I take reusable bags to the grocery store. Although every once in a while I will forget and end up with several plastic bags, but I will use those bags as garbage bags for my bathroom trash or the cat. I’ll wrap them to his feet. Hilarious. Does that count as a reuse? I will also use the produce bags as sandwich baggies or something similar. I’ll even reuse zip lock bags if I can.
    I have a hard time with consumerism, and the messages that we send people of convenience. Buy more stuff because its cool! Ya! how about buy more stuff because you NEED it. I can’t believe there was a 20% drop in their collection during the recession. That was one thing that stuck out to me from what Ashlee said. I fell like I could go on and on about the 3 R’s, but being more about not being wasteful will have an impact in each area.

    in reply to: Introductions #979
    Participant

    What’s up Y’all! My name is Sean and I am from Provo and currently live downtown. I love Salt Lake! I developed an interested in sustainability from my lovely wife who gave me some inspiration to make a difference. I have recently started a recycling business and looking to gain a lot from this experience. I started my business idea because of what I feel is a lack of offering and availability for the commercial sector in Utah and Salt Lake specifically. I Think it is safe to say that we all care a little bit about the environment and I am excited to work and learn with like minded individuals!

    I love sports. The Jazz WILL make the playoffs this year and BYU will win either all their games or go 8-4. I love the outdoors. Camping, fishing, hiking, etc..

    See ya soon!

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